Emma from England ~ Adventures in Thailand

Sand Between Toes is designed to let you know all about my travels, but there are only so many places I can go in a year! So rather than deprive you of travel stories and fun places to go, my friend Emma who is currently travelling South East Asia (jealous!) has offered to do some guest posts, to stop her from forgetting how to spell when she is enjoying herself.

Enjoy!

To describe Thailand in one word I would have to use the clichéd one; paradise. The beaches are the whitest sands and the waters the clearest blue, and it has come to be a place that I have fallen in love with. I am due to leave this week for Cambodia, but I am not sure whether I can. The islands are tranquil and the people the friendliest I have ever met and I don’t think I can be parted.

I arrived, as most do, in Bangkok and catapulted myself down the Khao San Road. I didn’t like it. As my first step into solo travel it was too busy for me; jam packed full of hectic market vendors and street sellers clamouring for your attention and ultimately your money.

But as I got used to the bright lights and the chatty vibe I eased a little, and a few days later when I came to leave I felt a lot more comfortable.

I made my way down the country to the islands on a bus, and I have been here for just over a week. As you can see by the pictures it is idyllic and still; the sort of place where I could stay forever gathering my thoughts and reading a book.

And the other travellers that I have met have been fantastic, there is a real family vibe to the group and everyone is looking out for one another.

I love the fact that a watch is not needed, I can come and go depending on how I feel. I eat when I am hungry and sleep when I am tired, and the rest of the time I watch the sun to get a bit of a clue of what time it is. I am getting used to being alone every now and again and learning to be comfortable with myself.

I’m currently in Krabi which is like heaven on earth, and I’m waiting here until I go to Cambodia.

The area is fantastic, full of national parks which I am trying to take the time to visit, and the best thing I have discovered so far is a market on the Maharat Soi which is packed full of fresh fruit and fish and other cooked delicacies.

I love the fact that the market doesn’t sell alcohol yet is a hub for the gathering of friends and family after a week at work.

Koh Phi Phi is a must visit if you are in the area. It’s a group of tiny islands that, although totally ruined in the tsunami, have bounced back and redeveloped so you would hardly notice.

If you get the chance I would recommend taking a boat trip around to see some of the most stunning and verdant landscapes you will ever see.

In summary, if you get the chance to visit Thailand, I recommend you seize it.

When you are travelling there are so many things you need to think about, and as long as you are prepared and organised you shouldnt go wrong. Think about where you will store your money, what Travel Insurance you will take and having a contact number for your loved ones to reach you on. I have found to be very stressful for parents when their child takes off alone across the world!

As ever, please keep following on Twitter and Facebook, and don’t forget to enter the competition to win a Rough Guides Adventure to Travel book. Simply subscribe to the blog, follow on Twitter and retweet the hashtag #sandbetweentoesblog to be in with your chance to win. The winner will be drawn on the 20th September. Good luck!!